Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil. Plants thrive in almost any soil. Tansy is occasionally grown in the herb garden, though a site for growing this plant should be selected with care since it usually spreads very aggressively at the roots. There are some named varieties. 'Fernleaf' is a more decorative compact form to about 75cm, it does not spread so quickly. A good plant to grow in the orchard, when grown under fruit trees, raspberries, roses etc it repels insects from them. The flowering plant attracts hoverflies and butterflies.

Young leaflets - raw or cooked. They can be added in small quantities to salads. The plant is also used as a flavoring, it is a substitute for nutmeg and cinnamon. This plant is not recommended for internal use. The flowers have a unique flavor and are eaten or used as a garnish. A bitter, somewhat lemon-flavored tea is made from the leaves and flowering stems.

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the pot to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant out in the summer. Division is very simple at almost any time in the growing season, though spring is probably best. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

A common plant of waste ground, hedgerows etc.